GIRLS TEAM RANKINGS 1-7
7. C.E. Byrd
The Division I program C.E. Byrd returns their top five runners that competed at the state meet last year. Among these are Jenna Key and Hudson Roberts. Key is one of the five girls that broke the 18-minute barrier for 3 miles last year, as well as the Class 5A runner-up. She is one of the overwhelming favorites returning this year, but she might not be alone. Hudson Roberts had a decent 2021 cross-country season but blew up during the indoor season with her stellar performance in the 3200m. We can only assume that Roberts has continued to improve and will help deliver a powerful 1-2 punch alongside Key.
What is great about the remainder of the team is that they finish relatively close together through each race. The gap from their third to the fifth is roughly 35 seconds and have floated around 21-minutes each instance.
6. Vandebilt Catholic
Vandebilt Catholic returns with the highest preseason ranking for a Division II school. Though they lose Ella Chesnut, they still possess a dominant duo between Brynn Kelso and Logan Hamilton. These two went one and three at the Class 4A state meet last year and Kelso went on to be one of the most dominant characters during the outdoor track season, especially in the mile.
The team benefits from the interchangeability between its third and fourth runners but could benefit from some more consistency between them. On top of that, Vandebilt's fifth, Blair Bourg, had her two best races at the end of the year which was a "saved by the bell" moment for the team at the state meet. This team is indeed talented but has been left up to fate in hopes for a "good day" across the board for all of their runners.
5. Mt. Carmel
Mt. Carmel is led into Division I by Stella Junius. She had a stellar debut season her 8th-grade year with her 5th place finish at the Class 5A state meet, as well as breaking 19-minutes for the first time.
Junius isn't alone. She's accompanied by a number of teammates that truly exhibit what pack running is all about. If you look back to the 2021 5A state meet, then you will see exactly how this strategy helped their team secure 4th place. Another important trend within the Mt. Carmel team is a progression in times throughout the season. This is not a team that peaks early in the season; they timed it just right last year and they will surely be looking to replicate that performance this year.
4. Dominican
Dominican enters Division I in a shaky situation. They lose four of their top seven that competed at the state meet last year, and even though they still possess Morgan Trauth, it still does not make up for losing huge names like Kelsey Major and Elise Raque.
Just by the numbers, Dominican returns as our #4 for this preseason ranking, but judging by PRs and consistency of Dominican's runners, it is questionable if they should be ranked so highly. I would not be quick to judge this team, however, but it will take some serious work for Dominican to replicate what they did last year.
3. Episcopal
Division III calls itself home to the legendary Knights of Episcopal. This team received a miracle last year with the addition of middle school talents, Lucy Cramer and Anna Kurz. They both finished on the podium at the 2A state meet and the remainder of their top five all finished within the top ten.
This year, the team returns all except one of their runners and will, without a doubt, continue their dominance. In terms of outliers in performances, there is little to none for Episcopal. From what can be observed the team stays true to their ability and delivers a predictable result when the pressure is on.
2. Ruston
Ruston is one of the favorites for Division I. They only lose their number two with Anna Naff, but return a number of very talented runners. One of which is the one and only Lily Garrett. She held the fastest time in cross country last year and continued to blow up during the track season. With an asset like her on the team, it is a guaranteed low-stick for the Bearcats.
Accompanying Garrett is a slew of young runners that most are still considered underclassmen. This is a very young team with promise for the years to come. What separates them from the rest of the pack is how this team runs as a group. This alone was the reason that Ruston almost claimed the 5A state title last year.
1. St. Joseph's Academy
Division I program St. Jo's, had a season of what some may call ridiculous when it came to the kind of times that the team's runners were putting out. The team had an incredible season with even two of their girls breaking 18-minutes. This year, the team faces the problem of replacing three of their top seven runners that competed at the state meet last year, but the depth of the team may come to save the day.
In terms of personal bests, St. Joseph's is one of the best in the state; however, when it comes to consistency in race performances, it has yet to be seen. One of the team's strengths is that it boasts a deep roster of runners, but when it comes to the state meet, only seven runners may be entered. When that day comes, it is unknown if some runners will have an off day or not.